Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) announced that Senate Bill 1308, which would require members and employees of the California State Legislature to complete a course on the United States and California Constitutions, was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“Every member and employee of the Legislature takes an oath to support and defend both the United States and California Constitutions. SB 1308 would have helped us uphold that oath by improving our understanding of constitutional principles,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “This bill was not about partisan politics or debating interpretations of the Constitution. At its core, SB 1308 focused on one crucial goal: establishing robust frameworks for government operations and reinforcing our understanding of the limits of our authority as elected representatives. It is deeply disappointing that the committee failed to recognize this fundamental purpose.”
SB 1308 would have asked legislators and staff to complete a course within six months of a new legislative session. The course would have covered the U.S. Constitution, the California Constitution, and key principles such as federalism, preemption, civil rights, and separation of powers.
Members and employees could opt out of the course if they are licensed to practice law in California or prove their knowledge through an evaluation developed by the Legislative Counsel Bureau and the Joint Rules Committee. Those qualifying would receive credit for their educational background.
Under existing law, members and employees of the Legislature are required to complete mandatory training related to ethics, harassment and discrimination prevention, and workplace violence prevention. SB 1308 builds on that model by adding structured constitutional instruction to ensure lawmakers and staff share a clear understanding of the legal foundations that shape the legislative process.
Sixty letters of support were submitted to the committee, demonstrating the bill’s importance.
David A. Carrillo, J.S.D., Executive Director, California Constitution Center, University of California, Berkeley School of Law, wrote, “Our state legislature is the creative element of government, and it can and often does stretch the limits of what’s possible. But to bend the rules, you need to know what they are, and with fewer lawyers in elected office these days, it’s only smart to give your colleagues at least a primer on the constitutional framework before they start playing with live ammunition.”
“Ensuring that proposed legislation aligns with the U.S. and California Constitutions is essential to protecting the legislative process and preserving the separation of powers,” said David L. Faigman, Chancellor & Dean, University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. “Since 1878, our graduates have advanced teaching, scholarship, and public service. Especially today, educational opportunities to deepen understanding of democracy, constitutional rights, and the rule of law are critical.”
By promoting constitutional literacy, SB 1308 aimed to reduce costly legal challenges estimated at $137-$138 million.
“Public service brings both power and responsibility. Studying the Constitutions we have sworn to uphold shows respect for the rule of law and the people we serve,” concluded Senator Ochoa Bogh.